Dianna Wedincamp, the Ogeechee Riverkeeper, is leaving the organization she has helped lead to start an independent environmental consulting firm.

Wedincamp became Riverkeeper just a month before the Ogeechee suffered a massive fish kill in May 2011. About 38,000 fish died, all downstream from King America Finishing, a textile mill in Screven County. Wedincamp has worked 50-60 hours a week since to hold the company accountable for its actions, with the nonprofit recently taking legal action that was followed by the state’s revocation of King America’s permit.

“She hit the ground running and has gotten us in good position,” said Don Stack, an attorney with Stack & Associates, which represents the Riverkeeper. “She probably decided it’s an appropriate time to take a breath and have a normal life.”

Read more in Tuesday's Savannah Morning News and here at savannahnow.com.